Social Casinos: Not a Gambling Licence
"Social casino" is not a licence – it describes casino-style games played with virtual coins that cannot be cashed out. Here is how social casinos work and how they differ from licensed real-money casinos.
What Is a Social Casino?
Social casinos offer slots, poker and table games for entertainment, using virtual coins. You receive free coins and can buy more, but you can't withdraw winnings as real money. Because there is no real-money prize, social casinos are generally not regulated as gambling and do not need a gambling licence in most countries.
Social Casinos vs Real-Money Casinos vs Sweepstakes
| Social casino | Sweepstakes casino | Licensed casino | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-money prizes | No | Some prizes redeemable | Yes |
| Gambling licence | Not required | Operates under sweepstakes rules; banned in some US states | Required |
| Player protection | Consumer and app store rules | Limited | Full gambling regulation |
Things to Know
- In-app purchases can add up quickly – set a spending limit in your app store.
- Results in social casinos say nothing about your chances at a real-money casino.
- Age restrictions still apply on most platforms.
Looking for licensed real-money play? Start with our Editor's Choice.